Perfect Pitch

Manganese bronze Douglas Oarlock

There are many different oarlocks on the market to choose from. I was looking for something that would would function like a Concept2 oarlock but in a more traditional style. That meant having the right amount of pitch so the oar doesn’t dive or wash out and can still be easily feathered. Douglas oarlocks with Martinoli sleeves looked like the perfect solution. The oarlocks have 6° built into them and the sleeves have flats on three sides which align against the flats on the oarlock to let you know if the oar is at the proper angle for either feathering or pulling.

Douglas Oarlock with Martinoli sleeve

Pair of Martinoli sleeves with adjustable buttons

The sockets were mounted on blocks that compensated for the bevel in the gunwales. This ensured the pins were at 0° when they were inserted in the sockets. The blocks also needed enough wood inside the gunwale so the pin did not hit the inside of the planking. A line was attached to the bottom of each pin and looped over the oarlock horn to prevent accidental lose.

Oarlock pad before final shaping